Analyte Meter Digital Sample Detection Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable blood analyte measurement systems waste battery life by activating power-consuming analog subsystems before a blood sample is applied, as they typically power on upon test strip insertion regardless of sample presence, leading to unnecessary power consumption.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating digital circuits to detect the insertion of a test strip and the application of a blood sample, delaying the activation of analog subsystems until a sample is applied, using a microcontroller and electronic switches to manage power efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If analog subsystems are activated upon test strip insertion, then the device is ready to receive a sample quickly, but battery life is shortened due to unnecessary power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary digital detection of test strip insertion and sample application before activating the power-consuming analog subsystems. Digital circuits detect the presence of the test strip and the applied sample, then trigger analog subsystem activation only when both conditions are met, eliminating unnecessary power consumption while maintaining rapid response capability.
2Productivity
If analog circuit components are powered on to prepare for sample reception, then the device can immediately process a sample, but significant battery power is consumed during the waiting period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/electrical activation method with a digital detection system. Digital circuits monitor the test strip and sample presence, substituting the continuous power-on approach with intelligent, condition-based activation of analog subsystems, thereby dramatically reducing energy loss during the sample application waiting period.
3Reliability
If the entire device is powered on upon test strip insertion, then all components are ready for operation, but power consumption increases unnecessarily when no sample is provided
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational state based on real-time detection conditions. Upon test strip insertion, the device enters a low-power standby mode with digital monitoring active. When a sample is detected, the system transitions to full operational mode with analog subsystems activated. This dynamic state management ensures operational reliability while optimizing power consumption by matching system readiness to actual user intent.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An analyte meter is configured to digitally test for the presence of a test strip in the meter and for the presence of a sample in the test strip prior to activating an analog current measurement circuit of the meter. A test strip port connector (104) having a plurality of contacts (214, 224, 234) receives an inserted test strip (24) in which the contacts electrically connect to electrodes on the test strip for digitally detecting both the presence of a test strip and a sample added to the test strip. A control circuit monitoring the contacts maintains the analyte meter in a low power mode until detecting both the test strip and the sample, whereupon the control circuit activates the meter and enables an analog analyte measurement circuit.